Environmental Implications of Sand Harvesting. Insights from Archer’s Post, Samburu County.

Abstract

Sand harvesting is identified as a common socio economic activity, which is practiced globally, regionally and locally. In accordance with this understanding, this study seeks to assess and find out the key factors that have led to increase in sand extraction, and environmental implications of sand extraction in Archer’s’ Post, Samburu County. The sampling technique employed in the study involved both probabilistic (stratified and simple random sampling) and non-probabilistic (purposive sampling). A target population of 135 individuals from local residents, sand harvesters (sand miners, sand loaders, and sand transporters), chiefs, officers from Ministry of Land and NEMA offices. Questionnaires and key informant interview schedules were used to obtain data and observation while the data was analyzed by using statistical software such as SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The results were highlighted by bar graphs, tables and pie charts The survey findings were summarized using bar graphs, tabulation and pie charts. From the study it was established that sand mining in Archer’s Post is largely as a result of desperate need for an income source, need for construction materials form infrastructure and other development needs and generally a sheer economic force. Such environmental impacts include soil erosion, change of vegetation cover, and reduced water quality as a result of sedimentation in the local rivers and streams. These effects have been seen to negatively affect agriculture, diversity of species and the eco-system in the region. The study also revealed gaps of the current regulations, which do not provide an effective mechanism for the management and minimization of the environmental impacts of sand extraction. Some of the issues that are worthy of mention and solved in the near future for a sustainable sand harvesting scheme include the weak civil society involvement and engagement in environmental management, limited compliance with the set laws, and substandard harvesting techniques, as well as insufficient funding of monitoring and restoration programs. The results suggest that there be improvement in practices that will reduce the impact of sand mining on the environment.